Khasi Mandarin Orange Meghalaya Hill Citrus Agriculture

The Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) grown on the hills of Meghalaya, particularly in Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts, is prized for its thin skin, deep orange colour, and intensely sweet-sour flavour that develops at altitude between 1000-1500 metres. Harvested from October to January, Khasi oranges are sold at Shillong markets and transported to Kolkata and Dhaka. Organic certification cooperatives in Nongpoh and Umling assist small farmers to get premium prices. Khasi Orange Juice and marmalade cooperatives add value for off-season income. The fruit is central to Khasi winter festivals and gifting traditions. Climate change threatens the specific altitude-temperature conditions that give Khasi oranges their distinctive flavour.